During my recent trip to the United States, I visited our nation’s capital. While walking back to the National Mall from the White House, I happened to stumble upon the National BSA Memorial. I didn’t know this was here.
Dedicated on November 7, 1964, the sculpture sits on “The Ellipse” in Washington D.C., location of the 1937 National Scout Jamboree, the first National Jamboree. The following is etched on the rim surrounding the pool: “This memorial was authorized by the Congress of the United States and directed in recognition of the fiftieth anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America in grateful tribute to the men and women whose generosity devotion and leadership have brought Scouting to the nation’s youth and to honor all members of the Boy Scouts of America who in days of peace and times of peril have their duty to God and their country.”
“The United States Congress passed a Congressional Charter in 1916 officially establishing The Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The mission statement then and now is basically the same: “To prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”
We have seen tremendous changes in the BSA over the years. Currently the BSA is emerging from bankruptcy and underwent a reorganization nationwide. Though TAC is physically separated from the U.S. we are not immune to what occurred to our movement. Overall, the BSA remains sound and is stronger than ever as a result of stronger safety measures now in place. In TAC, “Our goal is to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, personal fitness, and leadership through participation in outdoor activities, educational opportunities, and career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations.”
Let us not lose sight of our mission and the significance of “in grateful tribute to the men and women whose generosity devotion and leadership have brought Scouting to the nation’s youth and to honor all members of the Boy Scouts of America who in days of peace and times of peril have their duty to God and their country.” Our nation and movement depend on us to live up to our duty to God and country and the youth that we serve.
